Merced, CA (September 7, 2025) – A pedestrian was seriously injured late Friday night in a hit-and-run collision at the intersection of State Route 165 (SR-165) and 3rd St in Merced. According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 11:22 p.m. and involved an unidentified vehicle that fled the scene after striking the pedestrian.
CHP logs indicated that a male victim was found lying in the roadway shortly after the crash. Emergency responders from local fire and medical units were dispatched and arrived quickly to render aid. The injured pedestrian was transported to a nearby hospital, though the extent of his injuries has not been fully disclosed.
SR-165 was shut down in both directions between Bloss Ave and American Ave for several hours as officers conducted an on-site investigation. Crews from Merced City Tow were called in to assist with evidence recovery, and the suspected vehicle was eventually transported to a secured facility for examination.
Authorities believe they may have located the vehicle involved in the crash, but no arrests or official identifications have been confirmed. The case is being treated as a felony hit-and-run involving injuries under California Vehicle Code 20001.
We extend our sincere wishes for a full recovery to the injured pedestrian and encourage anyone with information about the incident to contact the California Highway Patrol in the Merced area.
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crashes in California
Pedestrian safety continues to be a major concern across California, especially in areas where high-speed traffic corridors intersect with local residential or business zones. The crash that occurred at SR-165 and 3rd St in Merced illustrates the dangerous consequences when drivers fail to remain at the scene of an accident.
Late-night collisions pose unique challenges, including reduced visibility, increased likelihood of driver impairment, and delayed medical attention. In this case, the pedestrian was found lying in the roadway after being struck by an unknown vehicle—a scenario that often leads to more severe injuries due to lack of immediate aid and secondary risks from additional traffic.
Merced, like many Central Valley communities, has seen growing concern about pedestrian incidents in recent years. Highways such as SR-165 serve both local and regional drivers, often running directly through neighborhoods and mixed-use areas. As a result, pedestrians navigating crosswalks, intersections, or roadside areas are vulnerable, particularly at night.
Fleeing the scene of a crash involving injury is a serious offense. Under California law, all drivers are required to stop, render aid, and report the incident. Hit-and-run cases not only delay emergency care for victims but also complicate investigative efforts and can leave families without answers.
For victims and families affected by such incidents, the path to recovery is often long and emotionally taxing. Support from local resources, including medical professionals, legal advocates, and trauma services, can make a crucial difference in the days and weeks that follow.
If someone you care about was injured in this Merced hit-and-run, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We connect families with the local resources and professionals they need to navigate recovery, investigate the incident, and seek the justice they deserve. Contact us today for guidance tailored to your situation.
